Michael Vick, Atlanta Falcons highlight Pro Bowl selections

Michael Vick rehabilitation in the fans eyes took another huge step today when he was named to his first Pro Bowl invite since returning to the league following his 18 months in federal prison for operating a dogfighting ring.

Vick, a Pro Bowler three times during his first six seasons with the Atlanta Falcons, will start opposite New England Patriots signal-caller Tom Brady, who is the league’s top-rated passer (109.8), and the only player with more fan votes, than Vick.

The AtlantaFalcons were rewarded for their impressive season with a league-high seven Pro Bowl nominations. Roddy White, who has a league-best (and career-high) 109 receptions, will start at wideout for the NFC alongside the Detroit Lions‘ Calvin Johnson. Atlanta’s entire backfield; quarterback Matt Ryan, tailback Michael Turner and fullback Ovie Mughelli are all Hawaii-bound, as are tight end Tony Gonzalez, defensive end John Abraham and special teams ace Eric Weems also got the call.

The AFC team will have six Patriots players with linebacker Jerod Mayo, nose tackle Vince Wilfork, safety Brandon Meriweather and guard Logan Mankins (who missed the first seven games amid a contract impasse) joining Brady and McCourty.